Wondering how to get a blue check on Instagram? You’ve come to the right place. Read our guide for tips on getting verified on Instagram.
It is no secret that social media accounts have revolutionized the digital marketing landscape. Companies of every size and type use social media tools like a Facebook page, X account, YouTube channel, or Instagram page to connect with others.
For certain companies and high-profile individuals, Instagram has become the go-to social platform. Unfortunately, these businesses and individual brands may have been spoofed by imposters, too.
To combat the reputational damage caused by a spoofed Instagram account, the company offers a verification checkmark. Getting verified on Instagram, however, can be challenging.
In this guide, we will explore Instagram and its verification process, helping you to get the most from your Instagram account.
We offer online reputation management solutions for individuals as well as businesses. Get started today with a free consultation with one of our experts. Call us at 844-461-3632 or fill out the contact form below.
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Instagram: A Valuable Social Media Channel
Launched in 2010 as a video- and photo-sharing social network, Instagram has rapidly become a dominant force among social media sites. In its first month, the site registered over one million Instagram users. Today, Instagram boasts 2 billion daily users.
In 2012, Facebook purchased the platform. Today, Instagram and Facebook work hand-in-hand as social media channels. In fact, most users of the platforms share content between the two sites seamlessly.
Continual improvements and the introduction of new tools and features — such as Instagram Stories — have allowed users around the world to engage with others. From a business perspective, this reach has made the platform a valuable social media marketing channel.
Having an Instagram presence with a business account is considered an essential component of any modern reputation management strategy. With it, businesses and individuals alike are able to grow their brands and shape public perceptions that influence purchasing decisions.
Setting Up an Instagram Account
Setting up an Instagram account is incredibly easy.
First, navigate to the Instagram website or download the Instagram app to your mobile device. Click the blue Sign Up link.
Next, tap Sign Up with Email or Phone Number (Android users) or Create New Account (iPhone users). Enter your email address or phone number, then create a username and password for the site. Complete your Instagram profile, tap Next, and you’re done!
Instagram users who already use Facebook will have an even easier time creating an account. Simply tap Log In With Facebook, and you’re ready to get started on Instagram.
The Blue Checkmark: What It Is and How To Get It
When you are on Instagram, take a look at the profiles of your favorite companies and celebrities you follow. Chances are you’ll see a blue checkmark next to the person’s or company’s name.
This blue checkmark is the Instagram account verification badge. In simple terms, when Instagram verification is displayed, this means that the profile has met the platform’s guidelines for verification and has been confirmed as being legitimate.
Not every brand has a verification badge. In fact, these blue checkmarks are relatively rare and have become a sort of status symbol for certain users.
The purpose of the verified badge is to signal to users that they are following the right brand or personality. In other words, they are the sign of an authentic account. They were designed to combat the fake accounts and meme accounts that were confusing other users. Even a fan account, meant with good intentions, can derail the brand-building efforts of a company or high-profile celebrity. The verified badge, then, is a good sign that you’re following the real person or company.
The Power of the Instagram Verification Badge
Instagram doesn’t offer special treatment for profiles that have been verified. If a verified brand has higher-than-normal engagement, it’s not because of the badge. Rather, it’s a sign that the brand is producing superior Instagram posts and has a strong, engaged following.
That being said, there are still certain advantages to having an Instagram verification badge displayed on your profile. For one, verified accounts stand out from the pack. Remember that Instagram has millions of individual accounts and over a billion users. Any aspect that can help differentiate you from others is always a benefit.
Additional benefits of verified accounts on Instagram include:
- Higher level of trustworthiness
- Early access to special features and new tools rolled out by the platform
- Ability to attract national press to your profile
- Ability to connect other social media services, particularly by linking your Facebook and Instagram accounts
- Improved brand awareness and brand recognition
That blue checkmark may seem insignificant, but its value goes far beyond its modest appearance. If you are a highly searched-for person or business brand, that Instagram verified badge is your ticket to greater awareness and reach.
Getting Verified on Instagram: An Overview
Now that we’ve learned about verified Instagram accounts and why the blue checkmark can be so valuable, how does one get verified on Instagram? How can you get the blue check mark displayed next to your profile photo?
First, you have to understand the different types of Instagram verification.
Certain verified Instagram accounts are owned by well-known and notable brands, entities or people. Other verified Instagram accounts have been Meta Verified, which is how they have blue checks. Here’s the main difference between the two types of verification:
- Verified Badge: This means the account has been verified due to their activity on Instagram and related products. The information or documents provided by the account owner has led them to get a verified badge.
- Meta Verified: This means that the account owner pays for a Meta Verified subscription. The subscription includes the blue badge checkmark, as well as account support, protection from impersonation, and more.
Even if you already have a verified checkmark on Instagram, you can subscribe to Meta Verified to access its additional features.
How To Get a Verified Badge if You’re a Public Figure
Public figures, including celebrities and well-known brands, can apply for a verified badge. If they meet the eligibility requirements, they’ll receive the blue checkmark.
It is important to note that you don’t have to be famous or a registered business in order to earn a blue checkmark. You simply have to meet the criteria and demonstrate to Instagram that your account and its content are in the public interest.
Eligibility Criteria To Get Verified on Instagram
The criteria that Instagram and Meta look at to decide whether or not to verify an account include:
- Authenticity: Does the account represent a legitimate business, entity or person?
- Completeness: Only public accounts can be verified, and they must be active with a bio and profile photos.
- Notability: Verified accounts have to represent searched-for and well-known brands, entities or people. (Paid and sponsored content doesn’t count when verifying this information.)
- Uniqueness: Only one account per brand or business can be verified.
Note that Instagram does not verify general interest accounts.
Request a Verified Badge
Here’s how to request a verified badge on Instagram if you believe you meet the eligibility requirements. These instructions are for an iPhone, and you can find additional instructions for other devices here.
Sign in to the Instagram account you want verified. Click your Instagram profile picture on the bottom right. Click the Three-Line Menu on the top right.
Scroll down to the For Professionals section and select Account Type and Tools.
Under the Tools section, tap Request Verification.
Fill out the requested information, which includes:
- Full name
- Verification document
- Public interest category
- Geographic area
- Description of your audience
- Other names you’re known as
- Links to show proof of public interest
When you’re done, click the blue Submit button.
How To Get Verified on Instagram With Meta Verified
If you weren’t able to get an Instagram verification badge or you opted not to apply for the verification process because you don’t meet the criteria, you can sign up for a Meta Verified subscription instead.
You can verify up to two profiles — one on Instagram and one on Facebook — that are part of the same Accounts Center.
Here’s how to complete the subscription and verification process:
On an iPhone, sign into the Instagram account you want verified. Click your profile picture on the bottom right. Click the Horizontal Lines Menu on the top right.
Scroll down to the For Professionals section and select Meta Verified.
Wait a second for the subscription page to load. It’ll have a blue button that says Unlock Benefits at the bottom. Click the button to proceed.
Decide which profiles to sign up for Meta Verified. The cost is $14.99 for 1 profile and $23.99 per month for 2 profiles.
Click the blue Continue button when you’re ready, then complete payment.
The exact steps for signing up for the subscription and verifying your profile can be found here based on your device.
5 Tips for Getting Verified on Instagram
- Be wary of any third-party service that promises to get you a verified badge on your Instagram profile. This is common to hear from followers on your profile. Some of your followers may claim to have an insider arrangement with Instagram. This is a scam, so don’t trust it.
- Check Instagram for fan accounts or misleading accounts trying to impersonate you or your brand. Users can periodically audit their accounts to help spot imposters. Increasing your brand’s trustworthiness and your account’s authenticity will make it more likely that Instagram will approve your verification request.
- Boost your followers. Work on producing impactful, engaging content and encourage your followers to share your posts on the platform, too. This increased social activity will help to improve both your relevance and your visibility, two factors often used to determine eligibility for Instagram verification.
- Have you gotten any press recognition? If so, now is a great time to get verified. When multiple news sources are covering your brand or you have press releases published to major aggregators, Instagram views this as proof of your authority and trustworthiness. Unfortunately, paid or promotional content does not typically qualify; news coverage must be organic.
- Do not break Instagram’s rules, and be sure your profile meets all community standards and terms. Remember, you are a public figure, and any attempt to violate Instagram’s terms can mean the end of your campaign to get verified on the platform.
FAQ About Getting Instagram Verified
Do you need a certain number of followers to submit an Instagram verification request?
No, there is no required minimum follower count to achieve in order to request verification or be approved. However, since notable, popular accounts tend to meet the eligibility criteria, it’s smart to increase your followers before filling out the verification request form.
How much does Instagram verification cost?
If you’re a highly searched for person and Instagram approves your request, you won’t have to pay anything for the blue checkmark. If you decide to sign up for Meta Verified instead, the cost is $14.99 per month for one account and $23.99 per month for two accounts.
What if I’m denied after I request verification?
Even if you’re denied for the blue check mark verification, you can request verification again in the future to be considered. It may help to provide different documentation and proof of your popularity.
Contact NetReputation Today
On social media, is your online reputation management strategy living up to its potential? Are you getting the best possible ROI from it?
The NetReputation team can help you get verified on Instagram, but that’s not all. We can assist with engaging your Instagram followers and followers on other social media channels. Our personal branding services extend your reach, allowing you to build incredible brand awareness.
Moreover, our social media reputation management services are customized for both small businesses and enterprises, designed to deliver the results you deserve. This solution enhances your online reputation management efforts, allowing you to stand out from your competitors. From social media posts to social media monitoring, our services deliver the results you need to grow your business in the online environment.
If you’re ready to supercharge your social media presence and position yourself for success in your industry, contact the reputation management at NetReputation today by dialing 844-461-3632 or by completing the online form below.
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by Net Reputation